Mekelle, Ethiopia – March 2025 – A dire public health emergency has erupted in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, where the HIV prevalence rate has soared to a staggering 3%, more than double what it was just a short time ago.

This shocking increase is a direct consequence of the devastating 2020-2022 Tigray conflict, which unleashed a horrific wave of sexual violence and dismantled critical healthcare services. The aftermath has created a perfect storm for the unchecked spread of untreated infections, sparking urgent fears about the long-term health impacts on a community already grappling with overwhelming challenges.

The Impact of Conflict and Sexual Violence on Rising HIV Rates

Health officials are urgently sounding the alarm as the connection between escalating HIV rates and rampant sexual violence during the conflict becomes painfully evident. Alarming accounts of mass rapes and numerous testimonies of gender-based violence paint a heartbreaking picture, leaving countless survivors without access to essential post-rape medical care. The destruction of healthcare facilities has rendered vital services—such as the crucial post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention—largely inaccessible. This failure to deliver timely and adequate care has dramatically increased the risk of HIV transmission among a population that is already alarmingly vulnerable.

The Catastrophic Collapse of Healthcare Infrastructure

The conflict has left Tigray’s healthcare system in shambles: over 80% of hospitals and clinics are either irreparably damaged or completely obliterated. This devastation has triggered a severe shortage of essential resources, including HIV testing kits and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) that are essential for effective treatment. To make matters worse, a significant decline in international aid has further exacerbated the challenges faced by underfunded HIV programs, which are struggling to meet the escalating healthcare demands of the community.

Urgent Humanitarian Response Amid Ongoing Challenges

In light of this emerging catastrophe, the United Nations and various health organizations are urgently calling for comprehensive international assistance to restore essential healthcare services across Tigray. However, the region’s persistent political instability, coupled with ongoing funding shortages, continues to obstruct efforts for large-scale intervention.

A local health official in Mekelle expressed profound concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation, stating, “We are witnessing a public health disaster of monumental proportions. Without immediate and decisive action, the HIV crisis in Tigray risks spiraling entirely out of control.” As the region faces the daunting task of rebuilding, health advocates emphasize the critical need for increased funding, enhanced access to HIV prevention and treatment options, and robust protective measures for survivors of sexual violence—essential components for navigating this unprecedented health emergency.

Image Source:nature.com